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Center for Excellence
FAQs

What type of Distance Learning courses are offered at PVCC?
Hybrid -In Person & Web (HY) - Hybrid is the combination of face-to-face and electronic delivery where 50-99% of the course content is electronically delivered. The electronic delivery can be either asynchronous or synchronous.

WWW Online (WW) - Instruction for these courses is online using the Internet. Most courses are taught using Blackboard, but may also include the World Wide Web, PowerPoint, special software, listservs, and e-mail.

Where do I go for more information on Distance Learning at PVCC?
For technical information about distance learning at PVCC, please contact The Center for Excellence in Instruction at 434.961.5316.

For details on academic programs please contact the PVCC Welcome Center at 434.961.6551 or welcome-center@pvcc.edu.

Where can I find course descriptions and requirements?
The course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in the PVCC Class Schedule.

What are the costs of Distance Learning courses?
Distance Learning tuition fees are the same as those for on-campus courses.

How can I register for Distance Learning Courses?
Registration procedures for Distance Learning courses are the same as procedures for on-campus courses. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 434.961.6551.

How can I get my textbooks?
You may purchase your textbooks at the PVCC bookstore.

When does class start?
An online course starts the same date as other PVCC scheduled courses.

It is the student's responsibility to initiate participation in each online class by contacting the professor. The student should complete the online orientation, then find Username and Set Password at MyPVCC and finally log in to Blackboard, go to their course site, and contact the professor either through e-mail or whichever preferred method of communication is specified in the course syllabus or announcements.  Students will wish to include the following information:

  • Full name
  • VCCS E-mail address (check spelling)

I have a personal e-mail address, do I really need to use the college e-mail?
Yes, all faculty and staff are required Virginia State regulations to only respond to requests for official information (this includes grades and academic progress) if sent through e-mail supplied by the Virginia Community College System.

What will my school e-mail address be?
Your VCCS e-mail will consist of your username@email.vccs.edu.

What kind of computer equipment do I need?
See the minimum Technical Requirements

Will I need to come to the PVCC campus?
Occasionally, you may also need to take proctored exams in the PVCC Learning Center or in another approved proctored testing site. See your course syllabus.

How do I communicate with my instructor?
There are many methods of communication available, depending on the course you are taking. Most instructors encourage communication via Discussion Boards, virtual office hours through virtual chat, e-mail and phone.   Please review your course syllabus for preferred methods of communication.

What if I don't have Internet at home?
Online students must be proficient users of the World Wide Web and e-mail and must provide their own reliable, regular access to the Internet (they may use PVCC open computer labs).

I can't log into Blackboard. What do I do?
First, contact your instructor and make sure that you are enrolled in the course. They may also be able to resolve username and/or password problems. You may also contact the Blackboard System Administrator at bbsupport@pvcc.edu or call 434.961.5316.

I'm new to online learning. Where can I get help?
Is Distance Learning Right for me? http://www.pvcc.edu/center_for_excellence/self_evaluation.htm

Characteristics That Help to Ensure Success & Study Tips http://www.pvcc.edu/center_for_excellence/self_evaluation_study_tips.php

Computer Literacy & Hardware/Software Requirements http://www.pvcc.edu/center_for_excellence/technical_requirements.php

Distance Learning & Blackboard Tutorial http://www.pvcc.edu/center_for_excellence/orientation/index.php

Distance Learning main: http://www.pvcc.edu/center_for_excellence/registration_information.php

 

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